Car Accident Preparedness

• Make sure you get a copy of the South Carolina DMV FR-10 Notice of Requirement from the investigating officer. This form provides the insurance information for each driver.

• Respond honestly to the investigating officer's questions, but do not admit any liability. You may not be aware of all that happened. Let the investigating officer and the insurance investigators gather the necessary facts and evidence to determine liability..

• Gather as much information as possible regarding the accident, including photographs of all vehicles, other drivers and passengers involved.

• Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses. You can't always rely on the investigating officer to do this.

• Keep notes on any conversations or interactions at the scene of the accident - whether you are a part of the conversation or just overhear it.

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you are too injured to do so, have someone else make the call for you.

AFTER AN ACCIDENT

• Consult an attorney to ensure that you are aware of your rights - this is especially true if the accident is a serious one, with major injuries, and you are not at fault.

• Even if your injuries seem minor, see a doctor soon after an accident, for a check up and to your condition. Some injuries - like whiplash - may take a few days to make themselves felt.

• Have pictures taken of your injuries as soon as practical.

• Make a record of all contacts with your own insurance company or that of the other driver.

• If you haven't done it already, carefully read your insurance policy - especially the procedures to follow in case of an accident and in order to make a claim.

At Harvey & Battey, P.A., our attorneys represent clients in Beaufort, South Carolina, as well as other communities in the Lowcountry area, including Hilton Head, Bluffton, Walterboro, Charleston, Savannah, Parris Island and the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot. We also represent individuals in other communities in Beaufort County, Jasper County, Dorchester County, Hampton County, Allendale County, Bamberg County, Colleton County, Orangeburg County, Aiken County and Chatham County.